Iam a new boater and bought a 2011 185 sport 190 hp. If I don't use the boat for a couple days should I push that button on the shifter [to make the engine rev] and give it two pumps toward the forward position before starting the boat. Or is this totally unnecessary and I should just turn the key? I read that you do this procedure when it's colder out, can someone elaborate on this? Thanks in advance.
Startup help
- Thread starter Jbsr11
- Start date
Stee6043
Well-Known Member
I'm going to guess your 2011 is fuel injected. If so you should not pump the throttle. Just turn the key and enjoy...
Little Ducky
Well-Known Member
- Jun 5, 2017
- 2,655
- Boat Info
- 1998 290 Sundancer
- Engines
- Twin EFI 5.0L w/Alphas
Kohler 4kW
Well how is it starting at the moment?
Is it in dry storage or are you trailering?
Is it in dry storage or are you trailering?
BillK2632
Well-Known Member
The 190hp version of a 4.3 is going to be carbureted. In 2011 it might also have TKS (turn key starting) which is basically a fancy choke system that is supposed to start the engine by just turning the key like fuel injected engines. Problem is it does not always work. If you have TKS, in most cases just turn the key, if it doesn't start right up, then pump the throttle 2-3 times will help. If it does not have TKS, then start off by giving it 2-3 pumps and leave the throttle about 1/3 open, this will pump fuel into the intake and set the choke fast idle cam - once it starts pull the throttle back a little. If it has been sitting awhile (2+ weeks) you might have to turn the engine over a few times and give it 2-3 more pumps - fuel tends to evaporate out of the carburetor bowl after a few weeks, the first few cranks fill it back up, then pumps squirt fuel into the intake so it will start. Most carburetor engines can be a little finicky on a cold start, but once warmed up they are usually very simple, nice running engines.
hblock72
Active Member
- May 11, 2009
- 248
- Boat Info
- 2007 185 sport w/wakeboard package
- Engines
- 4.3 TKS
My 2007 185 has the 4.3 engine. It's carbureted with the TKS system mentioned above. All I ever have to do is just crank the engine and it has always started without having to pump the throttle, ect. Although the fuel can evaporate from the carb, these boats have an electric fuel pump, so as soon as you turn the key to the "on" position before even cranking it, fuel is being delivered to the carb to refill it. Having said that, every boat/engine seems to have it's own little nuances. You just have to find what works for you.
